How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dishwasher?
A typical Dishwasher uses 1800W and runs about 1 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $9.03/month.
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What Affects the Cost of Running a Dishwasher
Heating the Water Is 80% of the Energy Cost
The motor that sprays water and the pump that drains it use relatively little electricity. The heating element that raises water temperature to 130-140F and the heated drying cycle are where most energy goes. Using the no-heat dry setting (or opening the door after the wash cycle) eliminates the drying energy cost, cutting total electricity use by 15-25%. If your home water heater is already set to 120F, the dishwasher's internal heater only needs to boost it 10-20 degrees rather than doing the full job.
One Full Load Uses Less Energy Than Hand Washing
Studies consistently show that a modern Energy Star dishwasher uses less water and less energy than washing the same number of dishes by hand. An efficient dishwasher uses 3-4 gallons per load; hand washing the same dishes typically uses 15-27 gallons. The energy to heat that extra hot water far exceeds the dishwasher's electricity consumption. Running the dishwasher full is always cheaper than hand washing.
Dishwasher vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Dishwasher compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher (this page) | $9.03 | At national average rate, 1hrs/day |
| Hand washing (equivalent dishes) | ~$5-10 in hot water energy | Uses 3-5x more hot water. More expensive in both water and energy. |
| Countertop dishwasher | ~$2-4 | Smaller capacity but lower per-load energy. Good for 1-2 person households. |
| Energy Star dishwasher | ~$3-5 | Most efficient option. Look for models with soil sensors that adjust cycle length. |
Dishwasher Cost by State
What a Dishwasher costs to run at 1800W for 1 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $8 | $96.03 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $13.68 | $164.2 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $7.46 | $89.49 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $6.82 | $81.84 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $16.96 | $203.54 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $8.23 | $98.76 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $15.85 | $190.19 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $8.23 | $98.76 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $8.57 | $102.84 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $8.44 | $101.28 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $7.62 | $91.5 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $23.33 | $280 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $5.87 | $70.44 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $8.84 | $106.08 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $8.16 | $97.98 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $7.68 | $92.21 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $8.09 | $97.07 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $6.95 | $83.4 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $6.47 | $77.63 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $12.35 | $148.2 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $8.7 | $104.46 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $15.53 | $186.36 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $10.13 | $121.56 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $8.28 | $99.4 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $7.43 | $89.16 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $7.08 | $85.02 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $6.72 | $80.68 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $6.47 | $77.63 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $8.12 | $97.39 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $13.68 | $164.2 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $10.13 | $121.56 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $8.03 | $96.36 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $12.35 | $148.2 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $7.55 | $90.59 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $6.41 | $76.92 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $8.28 | $99.4 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $6.47 | $77.63 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $7.08 | $85.02 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $9.11 | $109.32 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $14.64 | $175.74 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $8.09 | $97.07 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $7.43 | $89.16 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $6.95 | $83.4 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $8.09 | $97.07 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $5.87 | $70.44 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $11.52 | $138.28 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $8.28 | $99.4 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $5.81 | $69.72 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $7.08 | $85.02 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $9.17 | $110.03 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $6.06 | $72.77 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Dishwasher
- Only run full loads to maximize efficiency
- Use the air-dry or no-heat-dry setting to save on the drying cycle
- Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing; modern detergents work better with some residue
- Run during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use rates
Frequently Asked Questions
A single dishwasher cycle costs approximately $0.15-$0.30 in electricity at the national average rate, depending on the cycle chosen and whether heated drying is used. Running one load per day costs about $5-9/month in electricity. The eco or light cycle uses the least energy, while the sanitize or heavy cycle uses the most.
A dishwasher is cheaper, assuming you run it full. An Energy Star dishwasher uses 3-4 gallons of hot water per load. Hand washing the same dishes uses 15-27 gallons. The energy to heat the extra hot water for hand washing costs more than the dishwasher's electricity. The only exception is if you wash a very small number of dishes in a basin of water, which most people do not do.
The heated dry setting adds about 0.3-0.5 kWh per cycle, which costs 5-8 cents per load. That is an extra $1.50-$2.50/month if you run the dishwasher daily. Skipping heated dry and either air drying or opening the door after the cycle is the easiest way to reduce dishwasher electricity costs with zero impact on cleaning quality.
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Electricity cost estimates are based on typical wattage and average residential rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual costs may vary based on your appliance's specific wattage, usage patterns, and your utility's rate structure. See our full disclaimer.